"However, these cases take nearly six months on average from offence to completion, despite the fact that over 90% of cases result in a guilty plea or are proved in absence - this is simply unacceptable.

"The justice system must respond more quickly and effectively to the needs of victims, witnesses and local communities, and these dedicated courts will enable magistrates to better organise their work and drive greater efficiency."

If successful, the scheme will be extended to include more streets Credit: ITV News West Country

Bristol city centre is to close to traffic on selected Sundays, Mayor George Ferguson will announce today. The Making Sundays Special scheme will start on the twenty third of June and ban traffic from the streets to encourage community groups and street performers.

Initially, once a month over the summer, the scheme is expected to become weekly. It could also be extended to include more streets if successful and folows the example of Bristol's twin French city, Bordeaux.

Passengers are advised not to attempt travelling in or out of Devon using rail links Credit: ITV WESTCOUNTRY

First Great Western - London Paddington to Bristol Parkway. Disruption between London Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads, and between London Paddington and Swansea due to flooding between Swindon and Bristol Parkway.

First Great Western - London Paddington to Tiverton Parkway. Disruption between London Paddington and Penzance, and between Bristol Temple Meads and Plymouth due to flooding between Exeter St. Davids and Tiverton Parkway, and at Teignmouth.

Tickets are being accepted on South West Trains and FirstGroup bus services.

CrossCountry - Bristol Temple Meads to Tiverton Parkway. Disruption between Bristol Temple Meads and Penzance, and between Bristol Temple Meads and Plymouth due to flooding between Exeter St. Davids and Tiverton Parkway, and at Teignmouth. Tickets are being accepted on First Great Western services.